[T/N: Mass update: 1/5]
"It was truly a remarkable sight."
Roland stretched lazily, recalling the scene from earlier.
Whether it was the classical beauty with that shy, reserved expression, or the puffed-up Rin Tohsaka, glaring like an indignant pufferfish and baring her teeth as if she might actually bite him the next second, they were both quite the sight to behold.
Two Servants were already in his grasp. With Gilgamesh and Enkidu aside, it was about time to deal with Saber.
Roland wasn't about to let him slip away and make a wish on the Holy Grail. A man with a record of backstabbing and blowing up the Grail? That wasn't something he could ignore.
Although the holy swordsman's obsession ran deep, if Roland could shatter that obsession and reshape his ideals, Saber could still become a very useful weapon.
Besides, after spending the last few days playing around with Sakura and Rin, Roland's curiosity had shifted elsewhere, he wanted to see what condition Illyasviel was in.
"Tonight, let's go and capture Einzbern."
He said it casually. But just as the words left his lips, a sharp ringing came from his pocket.
"Hm?"
He pulled out a phone, a clunky little thing by his standards, something he'd only call an 'old man's phone.' Yet, in this era, it was cutting-edge technology.
Roland glanced at the unfamiliar number, puzzled, then answered.
This was a gift from the priest, Kotomine Kirei, after the two had gotten acquainted. Concerned that Roland might disappear without warning, Kirei had insisted on giving him a means of contact. Up until now, Kirei had been the only one to ever call this number.
"Moshi moshi, Kirei. What's the matter?"
Knowing the man's personality, Roland went straight to the point. Kirei's voice was as calm and monotonous as ever, but the content of his words was enough to raise an eyebrow.
"Lord Roland, are you interested in taking control of the Tohsaka family?"
[T/N:😶😶...As we see Roland's No.1 fanboy has struck true]
Hearing this, Roland smirked with amused nonchalance.
"If that's the case, then go ahead. I happen to have some spare funds lying around. I'll just have the Matou family cover the cost for you."
Once he confirmed the reply, Roland let out a quiet chuckle and shook his head.
"Should I say I'm just too lucky? Or that the Tohsaka family is just too damn unlucky?"
---
That night, at the Tōsaka residence.
Tokiomi Tohsaka hadn't even wiped the sweat from his brow when the landline rang.
"This is the Tohsaka household… Aoi?"
The familiar voice on the other end immediately tightened his expression.
"Didn't I tell you not to call unless it was something important?"
His tone was heavy, colder than usual. Perhaps because his work had been interrupted, or because the last two days had been utterly disastrous. His plans, which were meant to be flawless, had been thrown into chaos, and the King of Heroes' sharp words still pierced him like a hedgehog's spines.
For Tokiomi, a man who held elegance as the highest virtue, these were unbearable days.
Yet he couldn't complain to his dignified Servant, nor to his trusted disciple. And now, hearing his wife calling at such a time, his temple throbbed in irritation.
"…you called because you simply want to hear my voice?"
Realizing his own tone had grown harsh, Tokiomi adjusted it, though the words he spoke next were no warmer.
"We can't afford such luxuries. Save it until after the Holy Grail War. And… if things go as planned, you should already know what preparations to make. We've discussed this before."
The line fell silent. Aoi Tohsaka gave her response in that silence, a cold, dignified quiet that pressed against his ears.
Tokiomi didn't yield. Maintaining his authority as head of the family, he stood firm until it was Aoi who finally broke the stillness.
".-."
"We're husband and wife? Of course, it is precisely because of this that you should support me as usual. This is the Tohsaka family's long-cherished wish, my wish! I've prepared everything. Whether it's Rin's future or Sakura's, they will both have bright paths ahead!"
"I understand but still-" Aoi couldn't continue.
Tokiomi's tone grew sharper, words flowing like a blade.
"If that's all you wanted to say, there's no need to waste more time. As a magus's wife, you should understand: you cannot cling to ordinary happiness. No matter the outcome of this war, you must accept change and embrace a new life."
He inhaled deeply, voice like iron.
"Do not do something unnecessary like this again."
And without waiting for her answer, he hung up.
"Master."
A knock sounded behind him. The door wasn't even locked, yet Kotomine Kirei had observed perfect etiquette before entering.
This small courtesy made Tokiomi nod in quiet satisfaction. He turned toward his disciple with a strained smile.
"My apologies. Aoi isn't usually so… emotional."
Kirei's calm voice carried no judgment.
"It's only natural to exchange a few words with your wife. After all, her husband is risking his life in such a dangerous endeavor."
"Kirei, you truly… became a priest in name only." Tokiomi chuckled faintly. "Your purity is far too low."
"For a magus, the Root is the sole truth. It lies just before me. Even if it means abandoning wife and children, I will gladly take that step. Besides…" His gaze grew cold as glass. "I've already arranged for my children's future."
Kirei's eyes narrowed slightly. He understood well enough. No magus had ever returned after reaching the Root. Win or lose, Tokiomi knew the old life was gone forever.
"If Sakura remains with the Matou family, what if the two sisters… kill each other in pursuit of the Root?"
"That would still be better than letting them live in mediocrity," Tokiomi answered without hesitation. "It can't be helped. No matter which of them succeeds, the Tohsaka family's dream will be fulfilled. They may not understand now, but in the end, this will be happiness."
Such purity… is it truly a virtue?
Humanity still needs guidance… from above, Kirei murmured inwardly.
Tokiomi possessed human emotions, yes, but at his core, he was a magus through and through. An existence far removed from common sense.
"Enough of that. Kirei, has the matter been settled?"
"Everything is arranged. I asked an acquaintance to liquidate all Tohsaka assets, except for the sacred land. The contract was executed the moment you signed it."
"Well done. Exceptionally well done."
Excitement surged in Tokiomi's voice. He hadn't expected Kirei to move so swiftly. Converting so much wealth into liquid funds was no easy task, but if Kirei said it was done, it was done.
Tokiomi turned toward the great hollow carved into the living room floor, where an enormous furnace was being installed.
"With this, though we've gained a major creditor, once the magic furnace is complete and connected to the leyline, Archer's mana supply will be secured."
"It must have been exhausting to do this alone. Especially while injured…" Kirei feigned concern.
"It's nothing." Tokiomi waved the concern away. "We can't allow outsiders to meddle. And the healing from my Command Seals is nearly complete. It changes nothing."
As he spoke, he retrieved a folded sheet from the cabinet and handed it to Kirei.
"By the way, I called you here to give you this."
"…A will, Master?"
Seeing Kirei's puzzled and anxious expression, Tokiomi's smile was calm, almost tender.
"This is simply precaution. Once I reach the Root, I won't have time for such arrangements. I name you Rin's guardian, and the one to manage the Tohsaka family. Aoi knows nothing of magecraft, she cannot bear this burden."
"Don't be pessimistic, Kirei," Tokiomi said, hands clasped behind his back as he gazed at the glittering night sky. "This is only the prelude to victory. Once our mana problem is solved, the King of Heroes will fight unrestrained."
"Master… I have no words for such trust…"
Kirei lowered his head, voice trembling with passion that was nothing but an illusion.
Tokiomi smiled gently at the sight, his confidence unwavering.
"I leave the rest to you. When this war ends, the Tohsaka family's long-cherished wish will finally be realized."
Those words weren't meant to comfort Kirei, they were the core of Tokiomi's conviction.
A mighty and flawless Servant.
A loyal, devoted disciple.
How could he possibly lose?
"I will win this Holy Grail War!"